Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources Presents Manpower and Budget Proposal for FY 2026.

The Directorate of Human Resources Planning and Budgeting, under the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), engaged the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR) in its Annual Manpower Hearing for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

The meeting was held at the Civil Service Training College at 11:30 a.m.

The session commenced with introductions from technical staff of both the HRMO and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, followed by presentations from the high table.

Mr. Lamin Manley, Assistant Secretary of the Ministry, presented an executive summary of the Ministry’s sectoral background, stressing that its mandate is to formulate policies and plans for the development of Sierra Leone’s minerals sector.

He emphasized the Ministry’s mission which he said is: to govern and manage the mining and minerals sector effectively, efficiently, transparently, and sustainably, while ensuring maximum benefits for all Sierra Leoneans.

Mr. Manley noted that the mining sector remains crucial to Sierra Leone’s economic growth, contributing over 71% of domestic revenue and total exports as of September 2023.

He highlighted progress in reviewing three key policies: Sierra Leone Minerals Policy (6% completed); Artisanal Mining Policy (60% completed); and Geo-data Management Policy (60% completed).

He further outlined achievements including:

Ongoing 60% review of the Mines and Minerals Development Act.

Hosting of the Sierra Leone Mining Week and the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) 2025, with Sierra Leone’s Minister serving as Chair for two years (100% achieved).

80% completion of constructive engagements across eight inter-MDA mineral sector governance and community development meetings.

On strategic goals for 2020–2025, Mr. Manley said the Ministry is focused on strengthening governance and legislative frameworks, improving regulatory oversight, and enhancing institutional capacity.

He also stressed the importance of increasing geo-scientific knowledge to support human resource development and skills formation.

In terms of community development, he revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Minerals Agency (NMA), has reviewed standard procedures for negotiations and agreements between Mineral Rights Holders (MRH) and local communities through a model Community Development Agreement.

Mr. Manley also highlighted critical challenges, including:

Cash disbursements by the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) being lower than approved budgets.

Late release of funds by GoSL.

Inadequate technical and administrative staff.

Insufficient vehicles and motorcycles for effective operations.

Lack of adequate equipment (computers, photocopiers, and printers).

Following his presentation, Mr. Hashiru Alhassan, Human Resource Officer of the Ministry, presented the Human Resource Planning (HRP) Forms 1–5:

HRP Form 1: Establishment list — 29 established positions with 35 staff in post.

HRP Form 2: Staff list — Total staff strength of 61, including 16 administrative, 19 professional, 13 contract, and 13 assigned staff.

HRP Form 3: Wastage list — Six staff members due for retirement.

HRP Form 4: Request for promotion of six staff.

HRP Form 5: Request for the recruitment of 16 additional staff.

SLENA Correspondent: Sheku Kutubu

Email: shekukutubu179@gmail.com

Tel: 076-840-618 / 079-769-402